Oak Lawn Spartans Open Playoff Run Against Simeon

The Oak Lawn Spartans are 7-2 going into Round One of the IHSA playoffs.

The team hosts the 5-5 Simeon Wolverines on Friday, Oct. 30, at Napleton Field. Tickets cost $7.30 and are available only online through GoFan. Attendees receive a digital ticket on their phone. Children younger than high school age must be with a parent. Students who do not attend OLCHS or Simeon High also need a parent present.

The Illinois High School Association expanded the football playoffs for the first time since 1985. Member schools voted to increase the number of qualifiers in each class from 32 to 48. The total field grew from 256 to 384 teams. The top 16 seeds in every class earned a bye into the second stage of the tournament. Oak Lawn secured a home game in this opening contest because of that seed.

The league renamed its playoff rounds to keep the team count consistent with past records. The stages are now called the Opening Round, First Round, Second Round, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals.

The state championship games are set for Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. They will take place at Hancock Stadium on the Illinois State University campus in Normal.